Photography: Gillian Gaughan
Think Dallas meets Downton Abbey. Cotswolds come to Westchester. Built in 1995, in homage to the famous early-20th Century British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, and specifically after his Salutation grand residence in Sandwich, England, Darlington Manor is an architectural masterpiece, hidden away - on 83 acres - off Hardscrabble Road in North Salem.
The mile-long winding drive
The mile-long winding drive up to the main residence meanders past a private fishing pond, and then the equestrian barns, stables, paddocks, groom’s house, and other facilities, before approaching an appropriately imposing internal set of iron gates. …And, once through the gates, the parking court encircles an intricate parterre de broderie of hedges, shaped in a scrolling, embroidery-like pattern…making any guest feel like they’ve arrived for a weekend at Versailles. Privet hedges frame the four symmetrical courtyards adjacent to each side of the home.
The 10,700+ square foot main residence is large but measured. On the main floor, there’s a dramatic entrance foyer
…with a sweeping bifurcated iron staircase that leads to wraparound interior balconies. The main floor features grand living, dining, and ball rooms, each with floor-to-ceiling windows and all suitable for entertaining on a large scale, and comfortable dens and a wood-panelled study with a celestial mural on the ceiling, and a state-of-the-art kitchen perfect for Sunday morning pancakes or a chef’s catered event - and every room on the main floor has at least one door affording a view and access to the outdoors.
On the third floor, there’s a remarkable suite of seven individualized and themed bedrooms
On the second floor, there’s an expansive master suite with dual bathrooms and closets and a fireside private sitting room, two other substantial bedroom suites, and a large library with built-ins and a hand-painted ceiling. On the third floor, there’s a remarkable suite of seven individualized and themed bedrooms, each with an adorable niched bay window seat, and four baths. And in the basement, there’s a movie theater, a gym, a game room, and a second full kitchen, dining area, and party area.
Everything about the home says grandeur and elegance. It is a house that embraces old-world craftsmanship and new-world ease. Curated details, such as the antique oak floors laid in a herringbone pattern, limestone fireplaces, the bespoke millwork, and the hand-plastered walls, abound. And the house is designed, with all the modern conveniences, to be comfortable for the residents, but suitable for large-scale entertaining.
The carriage house
The carriage house includes a complete two bedroom apartment and some garage space. And the vanishing edge outdoor pool is located amidst formal gardens - a setting for Slim Aarons to be sure!
But the real showstopper is the absolutely stunning indoor pool pavilion
…that’s connected to the main house through an underground hall! The pavilion, filled with large tropical plants, feels like a sunroom at a lavish spa…or maybe something out of an Esther Williams movie or some other Hollywood fantasy. The pool is massive, and there’s a jacuzzi that’s big enough for the whole team.
Darlington Manor’s vast grounds are carefully planned and stewarded
…and have something to surprise and delight around each knoll. Rolling hayfields and endless orchards. Wild meadows framed by stone walls. A spring-fed lake with a foot-bridge that reflects the trees in perfect stillness - creating the most ideal spot for an afternoon paddle in a canoe. The century-old Maples that stand like sentinels around the property.
Darlington Manor is an enchanted experience
…where past meets present and country meets classic elegance.
…There are trails for horseback riding and acres and acres of fenced horse paddocks.
…There are pockets of woodland for wandering, and meadows for meandering.
…There are long lawns that seem to stretch endlessly, that are just perfect for croquet matches, picnics, or simple silence.
…And the immaculate gardens, boasting multiple specimen flowers and plants, have rightfully been the feature of multiple garden tours.
Will Stuart of Berkshire Hathaway is proud to offer this one-of-a-kind property, just an hour’s drive from Manhattan, for $9,250,000.
As featured in the May/June 2025 issue of Bedford & New Canaan Magazine